Zinc, Protein Function, and Brain Diseases

Zinc is an important trace element in the body, particularly in the brain. In fact, brain cells release zinc in order to help control normal communication between cells. For this reason, brain zinc levels are tightly regulated by specific proteins that bind and transport this metal to maintain balance. What happens when proteins involve in zinc transport breakdown or stop working? The research that I will present will highlight published findings of CSUF undergraduate and graduate students in my laboratory that show connections between abnormal zinc metabolism and brain diseases.

 

L. Don Shields Lecture with:
Math P. Cuajungco, Ph.D.

Monday, April 14, 2025

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

TSU Pavilion C

 

Register

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About Math P. Cuajungco, Ph.D.

Math Cuajungco is a professor of biological science at CSU Fullerton. He earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, working on brain zinc metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases. He currently studies the function of transmembrane proteins using various molecular and cell biology techniques. He is a previous recipient of research grants from the National Science Foundation (RIG-BP) and National Institutes of Health (NIH R03 and R15 funding mechanisms), as well as co-PI of several NIH research education training grants (R25 and T34 funding mechanisms). He is currently the PI and director of the NIH-funded U-RISE program that aims to train undergraduates interested in biomedical research careers and prepare them to apply to graduate programs (PhD or MD-PhD). He serves as Deputy Chair of the CSU Biotechnology program that supports biotechnology-related research and training of many faculty and students within the CSU-wide community. In 2018, Dr. Cuajungco was honored with the L. Don Shields Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities Award for his significant contributions to research and scholarship.

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The L. Don Shields Lecture Series, presented by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at CSUF, honors faculty members who have received the L. Don Shields Excellence in Scholarship and Creativity Award. This award recognizes outstanding scholarship and creative work. Named after L. Don Shields, the university’s second president (1970-1980), the lecture series highlights the contributions of awardees, celebrating their careers and inspiring others to explore new frontiers in research and creative activities.